Strong's g1367

Pronunciation Guide: dis-khil’-ee-oy (emphasis on the second syllable)

Basic Definition

Key Information

δισχίλιοι

Transliteration: dischilioi Part of Speech: noun First Appears: Mark 5:13 Appears: 1 times

Strong’s Entry

g1367

Gloss: dischilioi (dis-khil’-ee-oy) n.1. two thousand[from G1364 and G5507]KJV: two thousand Root(s): G1364, G5507 

Strong’s G1367: δισχίλιοι (dischilioi) represents the cardinal number two thousand in biblical Greek. It combines the prefix “δισ-” (dis-) meaning “twice” with the word “χίλιοι” (chilioi) meaning “thousand.” In Scripture, this specific numerical value often appears in contexts where precision in counting or measurement is important, particularly in narrative accounts describing large groups or quantities.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Adjective (cardinal number)
• Root components: δίς (dis, meaning “twice”) + χίλιοι (chilioi, meaning “thousand”)
• Language origin: Greek
• Primary usage: Found in narrative sections, particularly in accounts requiring numerical precision
• Gender: Masculine plural form

δισχίλιοι Morphology:

• δισχίλιοι (masculine nominative plural) – two thousand (men)
• δισχίλιαι (feminine nominative plural) – two thousand (women)
• δισχίλια (neuter nominative plural) – two thousand (things)
• δισχιλίους (masculine accusative plural) – two thousand (direct object)
• δισχιλίων (genitive plural) – of two thousand
• δισχιλίοις (dative plural) – to/for/with two thousand

Origin & History

The term δισχίλιοι has its origins in ancient Greek mathematical and counting systems. In classical Greek literature, numerical terms like this were essential for commerce, military accounts, and historical records. Herodotus, in his “Histories,” frequently used such numerical terms when describing the size of armies and populations. The Greek numbering system itself evolved from earlier Phoenician influences but developed its own distinct characteristics.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures completed around the 3rd-2nd centuries BCE, numerical terms like δισχίλιοι were employed to translate Hebrew numerical expressions. For example, in 1 Chronicles 26:32, the LXX uses this term to describe “two thousand seven hundred” officials. The early Church Fathers, such as Eusebius in his “Ecclesiastical History,” also employed precise numerical terms when recording historical events, church growth, and accounts of martyrs.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A cardinal number representing exactly two thousand units, persons, or items
• A numerical value used in narratives for historical precision and accuracy
• A quantifier indicating a significantly large but still countable amount
• A numerical expression that could occasionally carry symbolic significance in certain biblical contexts

δισχίλιοι Translation Options:

• “Two thousand” – The most literal and common translation, appropriate in most contexts
• “About two thousand” – Sometimes used when the number appears to be an approximation rather than an exact count
• “A couple thousand” – A more colloquial rendering that maintains the sense of magnitude while acknowledging potential ancient rounding
• “Two sets of a thousand” – Highlighting the compound nature of the term (twice + thousand)
• “A couple of thousand” – Appropriate in contexts where precision is less important than conveying scale

Biblical Usage

The most notable appearance of δισχίλιοι in the New Testament occurs in Mark 5:13, where it describes the approximate number of pigs that rushed into the sea after demons were cast into them: “And He gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand [δισχίλιοι], rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.” This dramatic account emphasizes both the large number of demons that had possessed the man and the significant economic loss experienced by the pig herders.

In the Septuagint, δισχίλιοι appears in several passages describing military counts, temple measurements, and census data. For instance, in 1 Chronicles, it’s used to enumerate officials, warriors, and tribal representatives. These occurrences demonstrate how precise numerical information was valued in historical record-keeping and administrative documentation in ancient Israel.

Biblical instances where δισχίλιοι appears include:

• “And the herd, about two thousand [δισχίλιοι] in number, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.” Mark 5:13
• “Ishijah, Zebadiah, and Meshullam, of the sons of Parosh, two thousand [δισχίλιοι] one hundred and seventy-two.” Ezra 2:3 (LXX)
• “And David said to Solomon, ‘My son, I had it in my heart to build a house to the name of the Lord my God. But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “You have shed much blood and have waged great wars. You shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed so much blood before me on the earth. Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his surrounding enemies. For his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for my name. He shall be my son, and I will be his father, and I will establish his royal throne in Israel forever.” Now, my son, the Lord be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the Lord your God, as he has spoken concerning you. Only, may the Lord grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed. With great pains I have provided for the house of the Lord two thousand [δισχίλιοι] talents of gold and twenty thousand talents of silver.'” 1 Chronicles 22:7-14 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

Numbers held significant cultural meaning in the ancient Mediterranean world. While most occurrences of δισχίλιοι in Scripture appear to be straightforward numerical values, it’s worth noting that in Greco-Roman culture, large numbers were often approximations rather than precise counts. The mention of “about two thousand” pigs in Mark’s Gospel likely reflects this cultural practice of approximation when dealing with large quantities while still emphasizing the significant scale of the event.

In Jewish tradition, numbers often carried symbolic significance beyond their mathematical value. While one thousand (χίλιοι) often symbolized completeness or divine fullness (as in Psalm 50:10 or Revelation 20:4), multiples of a thousand could amplify this symbolism. Though δισχίλιοι doesn’t appear to have a consistent symbolic meaning in Scripture, its usage in Mark’s Gospel account of the Gerasene demoniac emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the spiritual battle that took place—suggesting that the man had been possessed by not just one or a few demons, but thousands, requiring the Messiah’s divine authority to overcome.

Theological Significance

The appearance of δισχίλιοι in Mark 5:13 serves to highlight several important theological truths. First, it demonstrates the Messiah’s absolute authority over the spiritual realm. The fact that thousands of demons immediately obeyed His command reveals Yeshua’s divine nature and power. No force, regardless of its numerical strength, can withstand His word.

Second, the account containing δισχίλιοι illustrates the destructive nature of evil. Just as the two thousand pigs rushed to their destruction when possessed, sin and demonic influence lead to chaos and devastation. The enormity of the number emphasizes the catastrophic consequences of spiritual rebellion against יהוה (Yahweh).

Finally, this passage reminds us of the immeasurable value יהוה places on a single human soul. The Messiah was willing to sacrifice two thousand animals—representing substantial economic value in that culture—to deliver one tormented individual. This powerful demonstration reveals God’s heart toward those suffering under spiritual oppression and His willingness to pay any price for their redemption, foreshadowing the ultimate price He would pay on the cross for all humanity.

Personal Application

When we encounter large numbers like δισχίλιοι in Scripture, we’re reminded that God is concerned with both the individual and the multitude. He who counts the very hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7) also oversees nations and multitudes. Just as Yeshua had compassion on the demon-possessed man while also being aware of the two thousand pigs, He holds both our personal struggles and the broader movements of humanity in His hands.

Consider also what “two thousand” represents in your life—perhaps tasks that seem overwhelming, people who need reaching, or resources that appear insufficient. The same God who commanded two thousand demons with a single word is with you in every situation. No challenge is too numerous or overwhelming for Him. When facing situations that seem insurmountable by their sheer magnitude, remember that numbers that overwhelm us do not overwhelm our God. He is the Master of both the individual moment and the thousand generations (Deuteronomy 7:9).

Related Words

• χίλιοι (chilioi, “thousand”) – The base word forming part of δισχίλιοι, often used independently to denote one thousand or a very large number. In apocalyptic literature, it appears in expressions like the “thousand years” of the Messiah’s reign. See G5507
• τρισχίλιοι (trischilioi, “three thousand”) – Following the same formation pattern, this term denotes three thousand and appears notably in Acts 2:41 describing the number of souls added to the early community of believers following Peter’s Pentecost sermon. See G5153
• πεντακισχίλιοι (pentakischilioi, “five thousand”) – Used to describe the crowd in the miraculous feeding accounts, this number emphasizes the magnitude of Yeshua’s provision. See G4000
• μύριοι (myrioi, “ten thousand”) – Denoting an even larger number than δισχίλιοι, this term often conveyed the sense of an extremely large or innumerable quantity. See G3463
• πολλοί (polloi, “many”) – While not a specific numeral like δισχίλιοι, this term is often used when exact numbers are unknown or unnecessary, simply indicating a large quantity. See G4183

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the account of the Gerasene demoniac featuring δισχίλιοι presents one of the most significant economic losses recorded in the Gospels? The destruction of approximately two thousand pigs would have represented a tremendous financial setback for the local economy, which helps explain why the local residents asked Yeshua to leave their region. This demonstrates that spiritual transformation often comes with material cost—a theme that appears repeatedly throughout Scripture.
• Did you know that Jewish dietary laws (kashrut) prohibited the eating of pork, making it significant that this large herd of unclean animals was present in the region of the Gerasenes? The presence of δισχίλιοι pigs suggests this was likely a predominantly Gentile area near the Sea of Galilee, illustrating how the Messiah’s ministry extended beyond purely Jewish territories into mixed cultural regions—foreshadowing the Gospel’s expansion to all nations.
• Did you know that ancient Greek numerals used letters of the alphabet to represent numbers? While δισχίλιοι is the spelled-out word form, in Greek numerical notation, 2,000 would be represented by ͵β (beta with a special mark indicating thousands). This alphanumeric system allowed Greeks to record numbers without developing separate numerical symbols, though spelled-out forms like δισχίλιοι were preferred in narrative texts for clarity.

Remember This

δισχίλιοι reminds us that whether we face one demon or two thousand, our God is greater still—He who counts the stars by name also numbers every hair on our heads and holds both the individual and the multitude in His sovereign, compassionate hands.